Nearly four years after their divorce, actress Jurnee Smollett‘s ex-husband Josiah Bell is allegedly requesting a share of her retirement funds. Essence claims that Bell has reportedly requested 50% of Smollett’s retirement accounts, including her Screen Actors Guild (SAG) pension, for the 2010–2019 marriage.
Bell’s latest application may force the ex-couple to reappear in court, despite the fact that their divorce was finalized in August 2021.
Jurnee Smollet and her childhood romance resulting in this drama
Smollett consented to pay Bell close to $1 million as part of the settlement at the time of their divorce. In addition, he has been getting $7,000 a month in child support for their son, Hunter Zion Bell, since they separated in 2019.
Community property rules in California typically divide assets acquired during a marriage equally between the spouses. According to Bell’s most recent request, he feels entitled to a portion of Smollett’s retirement benefits from their time together.
Before being married in 2010, Bell, a musician, and the “Lovecraft Country” actress were lifelong friends. After years of seeming to be together, they welcomed their baby in 2016 and are now co-parenting him.
In March 2013, Smullett told The Hollywood Reporter: “We were best friends before we started even dating, so we had this really great foundation. I think one of the challenging things about any lasting relationship is that you have to be so vulnerable,”
She also said: “I think as human beings we try to hide our flaws and try to present this perfect person, this person we wish we were to our spouse when that causes so many troubles,”
It is unclear if Smollett will challenge Bell’s claim or come to a fresh deal out of court as the legal dispute progresses.
